Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A42 5G vs. Motorola Moto G30
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A42 5G | Motorola Moto G30 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2020-11-11 | 2021-03-17 | The Moto G30 is a bit newer, potentially having a longer software support lifespan. |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm | 165.2 x 75.7 x 9.1 mm | Moto G30 is slightly thicker and taller, might feel slightly bulkier. |
| Weight | 193g | 200g | Galaxy A42 5G is lighter, which may be preferable for long use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.5" | Virtually identical screen sizes, negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both have the same HD+ resolution, similar sharpness. |
| PPI | 266 | 269 | Similar pixel density, both look comparably sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Galaxy A42 5G's AMOLED is superior with better contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Moto G30 has a smoother display with less motion blur for everyday use. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical brightness. No information provided to assess outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Galaxy A42 5G has a significantly faster processor, meaning faster app loading and smoother performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 392,400 | 170,968 | Galaxy A42 5G offers vastly superior performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 | Galaxy A42 5G has better graphics performance, noticeable in gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity, both should offer a full day's use for most users. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | Same charging speed on both phones. No significant difference. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8 | 64.4MP, f/1.7 | Moto G30 has higher resolution and a slightly wider aperture which might capture a little more light for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Galaxy A42 5G has a higher resolution front camera, potentially capturing more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Moto G30 has a higher resolution wide-angle lens. |
| Depth Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Galaxy A42 5G has a higher resolution depth lens. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Galaxy A42 5G has a higher resolution macro lens. |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 1080p@60fps | Galaxy A42 5G can record higher resolution video (4K), suitable for vloggers and videographers. |
| Additional Camera Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom | Laser AF, RAW | Galaxy A42 5G has 4K video recording, Moto G30 has Laser autofocus (LAF) and RAW image support. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10, Upgradable to 13 | Android 11, Upgradable to 12 | Motorola G30 has a newer OS, but the Samsung is upgradeable to Android 13. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac, Wi-Fi Display | 802.11ac | Both have similar wifi. Galaxy A42 5G has Wi-Fi Display support. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, multiple profiles | 5.0 LE | Galaxy A42 5G has more Bluetooth profiles for better compatibility with various accessories. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | Galaxy A42 5G has more satellite support, for potentially more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support Dual SIM capability, allowing use of two networks at the same time. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB | 64GB or 128GB | Both can have up to 128GB of storage. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 4/6GB | Galaxy A42 5G has a higher RAM option (8 GB), better for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic Features | Basic Features | Both phones have standard audio quality. No significant difference. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both have fingerprint sensors. No significant functional difference. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Screen protection specifics for both phones are not available. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Galaxy A42 5G has compass, useful for navigation. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 750G 5G chipset offers significantly higher performance for gaming, app loading, and multitasking.
- Better Display: The AMOLED screen provides superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors than the Moto G30's LCD.
- Higher Resolution Front Camera: Captures more detailed selfies.
- 4K Video Recording: Allows for higher quality videos.
- More RAM: The 8GB RAM option enables smoother multitasking.
- More Bluetooth Profiles: Better compatibility with different accessories.
- More satellite support: More accurate location tracking.
- Additional Sensors: Includes a compass for better navigation.
Motorola Moto G30 Advantages:
- Smoother Display: The 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel smoother.
- Slightly Better Main Camera: With higher resolution and slightly wider aperture, it may perform better in low-light conditions.
- Laser Autofocus and RAW support: Additional camera features that may appeal to some users.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 11, which may get updates before Android 10.
- Cheaper: Generally costs less due to inferior technology, and may be more affordable.
- Newer Launch Date: Could get OS updates for longer.
Trade-offs:
- The Galaxy A42 5G sacrifices a smoother display (60Hz vs 90Hz) for better overall display quality and processing power.
- The Moto G30 sacrifices processing power and display quality for a slightly smoother refresh rate and a potentially better main camera (in low light).
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A42 5G:
- Ideal Users:
- Users who prioritize performance and gaming.
- Users who value a vibrant and high-contrast display for media consumption.
- Users who want to record videos in 4K.
- Users who multitask frequently, and would benefit from more RAM.
- Use Cases:
- Gaming (due to the superior processing power).
- Watching videos and movies (due to AMOLED display).
- Running resource-intensive apps smoothly.
- Professional video recording.
- Navigation (due to the addition of a compass sensor).
Motorola Moto G30:
- Ideal Users:
- Users who want a slightly smoother display for basic use.
- Users who value a newer OS over a higher-quality display.
- Users who want an affordable phone, and do not require heavy-duty features.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday browsing, social media, and communication.
- Casual photography, especially in well-lit environments, and RAW photography.
- Users who prefer the newer version of android.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case (gaming, media, photography, basic use)? (This helps decide if processing power or other factors are more important)
- How important is display quality versus smoothness? (Prioritize AMOLED for contrast, 90Hz for smoothness).
- What is my budget and the value I expect? (Prioritize better technology or affordability)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Power User/Gamer: If you want the best performance for gaming and demanding apps, choose the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G.
- Scenario 2: Media Enthusiast: If you prefer better visuals for watching videos and want a higher quality screen, choose the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious User: If you want an affordable phone with a smooth display for everyday tasks and are satisfied with low-intensity use, choose the Motorola Moto G30.
- Scenario 4: Casual Photographer: If you take photos in well-lit conditions, and want the additional functionality of Laser Autofocus (LAF) and RAW, choose the Motorola Moto G30.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would select the Samsung Galaxy A42 5G. The significantly better performance offered by the Snapdragon 750G, combined with the superior AMOLED display, makes it the more compelling option for my needs. Although the Moto G30 offers a smoother display, the overall experience with the Galaxy A42 5G would be superior with the faster processing, more vibrant screen, and better camera functionality (including 4k video). As an user, I prioritize performance and display quality above a smoother refresh rate, making the A42 5G a much better fit. The inclusion of the compass is also a valuable addition for better navigation, and the added RAM is beneficial for running more intensive applications, ensuring a smoother overall usage experience. The additional Bluetooth profiles is another plus that makes the A42 5G a clear winner.
